LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Blame Big 2's problems on Nasser, Roger Smith

I agree completely with Sheila R. Ronis and Rep. Donald A. Manzullo that the decline of the U.S. auto industry has the potential to imperil our national security ("U.S. must reclaim its industrial base," Sept. 26), but I disagree with where to put the blame.

To my mind, two arrogant men, Roger Smith (former CEO of General Motors) and Jacques Nasser (former CEO of Ford Motor Co.), bear the bulk of the responsibility. Each led his company away from building great vehicles and into foolish, costly and failed pursuits. Both companies were left far behind the competition and are still paying the price.

There's nothing wrong with the U.S. auto industry that a concentrated focus on great products can't cure. I hope it's not too late.